BENGALURU: A 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife and dumping her body near a stormwater drain in West Bengaluru, police said. The decomposed body of the 25-year-old woman, identified as Ruksana Khatun, was discovered near Gopalapura Main Road on October 13, leading to an investigation that culminated in the arrest of her husband.

The accused, identified in The Hindu report as Mohammad Izar, is a native of Bihar. Police suspect that he killed Ruksana on October 10 following an argument over his suspicion that she was involved in an extramarital relationship.

The case came to light after a beat police officer found the woman’s body near the drain. Investigators initially faced difficulties identifying her and establishing the circumstances surrounding her death.

Body found near Gopalapura stormwater drain

The decomposed body was discovered on October 13 near a stormwater drain off Gopalapura Main Road, within the limits of Magadi Road police station in West Bengaluru.

Following the discovery, police launched an investigation to establish the woman’s identity and determine how she had died. Investigators checked information about missing women and made inquiries with residents in the surrounding neighbourhood.

During the inquiry, local residents reportedly informed the police that a woman living in the area had not been seen for several days. This information led investigators to her husband, who was questioned about her whereabouts.

Husband’s account raises suspicion

According to the police account reported by The Hindu, the accused initially claimed that his wife had returned to her native place in Bihar. However, investigators became suspicious when he reportedly gave inconsistent explanations and was unable to provide a convincing account of her whereabouts.

Police subsequently questioned him further, and the investigation allegedly established that the woman had been killed in Bengaluru rather than having travelled to her hometown.

Investigators suspect that the incident occurred on October 10, when an argument between the couple escalated into violence.

Police suspect murder following domestic dispute

Police said the accused allegedly suspected his wife of having an affair with another person. The suspicion reportedly led to frequent arguments between the couple.

During one such argument on October 10, he allegedly attacked Ruksana with a stone, causing fatal injuries to her head.

Investigators further allege that he wrapped her body in plastic covers, transported it on a scooter and disposed of it near the stormwater drain. The body was discovered three days later.

The allegations are based on the police investigation, and the case remains subject to judicial proceedings.

Couple had moved to Bengaluru from Bihar

Ruksana and the accused were natives of Bihar and had moved to Bengaluru approximately six months before the incident, according to reports. The couple had married around a year earlier and were living in the city.

Police said the couple’s relationship had become strained in the months before the alleged murder. Ruksana had been married previously and had a child from her earlier marriage, according to reports.

The investigation focused on identifying the woman, tracing her movements before her death and verifying the explanations provided by her husband.

Investigation continues

The arrest followed several days of investigation after the body was found. Police are continuing to examine the circumstances of the alleged murder and the disposal of the body.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers of violence arising from domestic disputes and the importance of investigating missing-person cases promptly.

The accused has been arrested in connection with the case. The allegations against him have not yet been established in court, and further legal proceedings will determine the outcome.